Iconic science-fiction author Ray Bradbury lived in Los Angeles for almost 80 years, but his books are heading back to his birthplace, Waukegan, Ill. His personal book collection will go the Waukegan Public Library.

Bradbury lived in Waukegan until he was 13, when his family moved away. Throughout his writing career, he returned to that Midwestern youth, from 1957’s “Dandelion Wine” to “Something Wicked this Way Comes” in 1962 and his last novel, 2006’s “Farewell Summer.”

From The Daily Herald:

After his death, library officials learned Bradbury had bequeathed his personal book collection to the County Street facility.

It’s no small gift.

“Every room had a bookshelf overflowing,” said Rena Morrow, the library’s marketing, programming, and exhibits manager.

The collection contains some books that could be valuable, such as first editions of noted works or autographed books, Morrow said.

The library also stands to receive copies of books Bradbury wrote, including some in foreign languages.

The collection’s value is being appraised.

The library may receive some of Bradbury’s personal belongings, too.

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Library staffers hope to build a permanent exhibit around the collection to honor Bradbury. Viewing Bradbury’s personal possessions could make his life resonate a little more for people, [Waukegan Public Library Executive Director Richard] Lee said.

Award Winning Library

Gary Price (gprice@mediasourceinc.com) is a librarian, writer, consultant, and frequent conference speaker based in the Washington D.C. metro area. Before launching INFOdocket, Price and Shirl Kennedy were the founders and senior editors at ResourceShelf and DocuTicker for 10 years. From 2006-2009 he was Director of Online Information Services at Ask.com, and is currently a contributing editor at Search Engine Land.